EP1934419A1

EP1934419A1 - Fabric shelter

Info

Publication number: EP1934419A1
Application number: EP06820182A
Authority: EP
Inventors: René CHAMBON
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-11
Filing date: 2006-10-11
Publication date: 2008-06-25
Also published as: WO2007042665A1; FR2891857A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a shelter comprising a support structure and a fabric (7) covering at least partly an area located inside the structure, wherein the support structure includes a lateral framework (1) comprising a plurality of vertical poles (1a, 1b) and a closed horizontal band (4) whereby each pole is associated with its neighbors, to counter the centripetal forces to which the framework (1) is subjected and central means (6) for fastening the fabric maintained at a height by radial wire cables (5a, 5b) derived from the framework, the fabric being radially maintained between said central means and the peripheral framework.

Description

Shelter

The present invention relates to the field of temporary constructions or at least light, large-scale, intended to form shelters, usually temporary, to cover by means of an upper canvas a ground area circumscribed by a peripheral structure carrying the canvas .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Large span means shelter whose diameter (or large transverse dimension of its enclosure) is at least of the order of ten meters, although this indication is given in a non-limiting manner. Smaller spans can indeed be covered by other means and structures competing with those of the invention both in terms of their technical simplicity of design and implementation and their cost, because of their size. scaled down. The interest of the invention is really patent only beyond this size.

Subsequently, we will speak of temporary shelter, to designate in a global way the structure and its cover.

Such temporary shelters have many applications such as, for example, the protection of sanitary perimeters, the coverage of performance areas, events, excavations or archaeological research, outdoor sites ...

There are numerous shelters mainly comprising a support structure based on tubes or elongated metal elements and a roof-forming fabric or awning, as well as sidewalls attached to this structure. The supporting structure is often removable when the shelter is small. On this model, there are no large temporary structures except that these are the juxtaposition of several small structures. In addition, the roof of these shelters is often stretched or placed on a frame (also collapsible or dismountable) which is part of the structure and involved in obtaining its stability.

It is also known for the coverage of large areas such as swimming pools, sports fields or agricultural greenhouses, inflatable structures in which is maintained an overpressure that keeps a tense cover (generally half-shaped) -sphere or half-cylinder) whose edges are lashed to the ground.

There are also circus capitals, which are often erected and dismantled. These generally have a gantry structure that supports an inner fabric fixed to the ground at the bottom. Some structures have guyed side columns. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention intends to propose a new design of temporary shelter whose carrier structure is of great simplicity, so that it is easy to erect, the roof associated with it may present different embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose therefore, the subject of the invention is a canvas shelter comprising a support structure and a fabric forming at least partial coverage of an area situated inside the structure, in which the support structure comprises a lateral frame comprising a plurality of vertical poles and a horizontal non-deformable closed belt by which each mast is associated with each of its neighbors, to oppose the centripetal forces to which the framework is subjected and a central means of attachment of the fabric held in height by wire radial lines derived from the frame, the web being radially held between said central means and the peripheral frame. The radial support must be understood as a radial tension applied to the web from the frame, of a greater or lesser value, this tension being taken up in the fabric by inserted reinforcing ribbons or cables. In a first embodiment, the attachment means is located at the point of convergence of a set of radial ropes forming the aforesaid lines.

In a second embodiment, the attachment means comprises a ring connected to the above suspensions and having a plurality of fastening means of the aforesaid web which constitutes an annular cover.

Advantageously, the belt comprises a plurality of beams extending between two adjacent poles and springs which extend between two poles separated by at least one other mast.

Several variants of the embodiment of this belt are possible. One of these, in which the tie rods are formed by cables, further comprises, at the right of each post a cable spacer to take into account the large radius of curvature of the peripheral frame resulting in a interference between each cable and the intermediate mast.

Each line is preferably associated with each mast by a maneuvering winch.

In the case of an annular cover troussable towards the peripheral framework, the fabric is formed by a tube of circumference substantially equal to the length of the periphery of the area to be covered and of length equal to the width of an annular zone to cover inside from the periphery, this fabric being equipped on one of its edges with a plurality of deployment cables in number equal to the number of masts of the frame, the other edge of the fabric being fixed to the frame, each rolls of deployment of the cloth passing through a return member carried by the hooking ring while several threads cooperating with the folding of the cloth, each of them having two strands one above and the other below the fabric, with two ends, one of which is fixed to the peripheral framework and the other to a winding winding / unrestrained winch of this framework, each fold line being guided to the edge of the fabric equipped with deployment rope in an organ of its sliding on this edge of canvas. In a variant not shown of the invention, each of the ropes cooperating with the folding of the fabric and secured to the edge of the fabric to which each deployment line is attached by a median part, the two strands thus defined, the one above and the other below the canvas, passing on pulleys carried by the peripheral frame and ending in a common winch winding / unwinding. The troussage of the fabric is thus improved because it is necessary to wind a half length of rope compared to the previously mentioned embodiment.

The shelter according to the invention, in its partial coverage version can find an interesting application in the coverage of annular areas such as stands of an amphitheater or arena, whatever the shape of the periphery of this area annular. This cover can be used advantageously above a ruined theater, that is to say whose outer walls no longer have the elements necessary for the establishment, as originally, of the masts for the hanger awnings. In this case of application, the belt may comprise a portion of remaining masonry, partially ruined work.

A feature of such annular cover is that its inner edge, when the cover is deployed, scallops between each of the return members carried by the ring of the support structure.

In an alternative embodiment, the fabric is formed by the juxtaposition of a plurality of independent awnings, each of them being troussable towards the peripheral framework and being fixed by one of its edges to this framework while on its other edge, parallel to that fixed to the frame, it is equipped with a plurality of expansion lines in number equal to the number of masts of the frame embraced by the above-mentioned fastening edge, each of the deployment lines of the awning passing in a return member carried by the snap ring while several ropes cooperate to the folding of the awning, each of them having two strands one above and one below the awning, with two ends, one of which is fixed to the peripheral framework and the other to a winding winding / unrestrained winch of this framework, each fold line being guided to the edge of the awning equipped with the deployment line in an organ of his couli on this edge. Alternatively, as before, each awning folding rope may be associated with a single winding / unwinding winch.

Each awning will be rectangular in shape with a festoon on its most central edge of the covered area when deployed or trapezoidal shape, the central festoon may then not exist or be very little pronounced.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description given below of several embodiments thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will be made to the appended drawings, among which:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 each illustrate a phase of erection of a temporary shelter according to the invention in a first embodiment,

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic half-view from above of a shelter according to the invention,

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a temporary shelter with an annular roof according to the invention,

- Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a variant of the peripheral frame of a shelter according to the invention,

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the masts of this framework at the waist, FIG. 8 is a view of a mast in cross-section along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The temporary shelter according to the invention shown schematically in the first three figures has a lateral frame 1 formed of a plurality of regularly distributed masts at the periphery of a floor area 2 which is suitable for use. to shelter or to cover, this periphery being in the case of circular figure. Only two opposing poles 1a and 1b of the peripheral framework 1 are represented. These poles have a ground support sole 3 and are connected here at approximately mid-height by a belt 4 formed here by a set of spacers. which will be described in more detail later in this description. It should already be noted that this belt 4 advantageously constitutes either a service bridge allowing operators to circulate on the lateral framework, or the support of a bridge which could for example extend horizontally outside and /or inside this lateral framework.

The upper part of each mast has a return system, pulley or other in which passes a plurality of ropes, cables or cables 5a, 5b, called lines, in number equal to the number of poles. These lines are brought together in the center at a point of convergence 6 provided with a means for attaching a canvas. At this point, a cover fabric, here disk-shaped for example 7, is attached to the plurality of lines 5. Once the erection of the lateral frame realized, the operators extend to the floor 2 the canvas 7 and have each of the suspension lines 5a, 5b spider-shaped as shown in Figure 1. The plurality of lines is then lifted by means of any powered or manual lifting system secured to each of the poles, so as to stretch these lines for make it the supporting structure of the center of the canvas 7. This arrangement is shown in Figure 2.

Ropes or ropes such as 8a, 8b are made from the periphery of the fabric and are equal in number to the number of masts of the lateral framework. These cords are preferably formed by free ends of strips, ribbons or ropes, linear reinforcing elements inserted in the fabric to its center. By means of these cords including those 8a, 8b, the operators proceed to the tension of the fabric to obtain the result illustrated schematically in FIG.

The top view of the shelter made is shown in Figure 4. It includes the peripheral frame 1 with its masts such as and Ib, the canvas 7 and, superimposed, one hiding the other, the lines such as 5a. and 5b and inserted strings 8a and 8b.

In Figure 5, where some of the elements shown are already described with reference to the preceding figures with the same references, each of the lines 5, at instead of converging at a point 6, is attached to a central ring 50 which will delimit the central area not covered by the annular web of the shelter according to the invention. Depending on the size of this shelter and the power of the motorized means or not implemented to raise the ring 50, this ring 50 can be achieved by several rings to each of which is assigned only part of the lifting lines.

The ring 50 has return members 51 (a pulley or a simple metal loop), for the ropes 52 integral with the inner edge 53 of an annular web 54. In reality, this annular web 54 is a tubular web whose two end edges 53 and 55 have the same dimension, so that it can be punctured by bringing the edge 53 of the edge 55 or deployed closer together by moving this edge away. 53 of the edge 55. In the deployed state of the fabric, the edge 53 which is close to the ring 50 festooning given the excess length of the fabric relative to the peripheral dimension of the ring 50. edge 55 of the fabric 54 is integral with the peripheral structure while the free end of each rope 52 is wound on a winch 56 operable manually or motorized. Cords 57 have a strand 57a located under the fabric and a strand 57b above said fabric. The two strands are of course the parts of a continuous rope which bypasses the edge 53 of the fabric 54 being slidable with respect to this edge in a suitable guide such as a ring. The free end of the strand 57a is secured to the lateral frame while the free end of the strand 57b is attached to the drum of a winch 58 to maneuver the folding of the fabric. The rope 57 can be fixed by its middle to the edge of fabric 53 and its two free ends associated with a single winch winding / unwinding, passage on a return member carried by the peripheral framework. This variant is not represented

It is assumed that the curved fabric, that is to say the edge 53 thereof in the vicinity of the edge 55 resting on a service platform 59 secured to the frame 1. The ring 50 is on the ground and the The lines 5 are each connected to a winch 26 by passing over a deflection member 25. The ring 50 is lifted by actuating all the winches 26. This ring being place, can then proceed to the deployment of the fabric 54 by actuating each of the winches 56 to wind the ropes 52. In this movement, the ropes 57 take place winches 58 and the strands 57a and 57b of each of them extend on each side of the canvas.

To fold the fabric, it acts on the winches 58 and 56 to wind the strands 57b and to make possible the unwinding of the threads 52 during this maneuver. The canvas is thus gathered on the platform 59 and the enclosure totally uncovered.

In an alternative embodiment, the fabric 54 may be formed of several independent parts which can thus be operated in a separate manner in the same manner as that described above, in order to discover or cover all or part of the annular area situated beneath it. In this case, each part of the fabric 54 can affect the shape of either a rectangle or a trapezoidal troussable and deployable independently.

The framework shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 comprises a plurality of vertical poles 101 interconnected by a belt 130 comprising articulated elements on the poles 101.

Each of the poles 101 has a vertical upright 120 having a lower end which can be engaged in a sole foot and having a top end. with a pulley or any static return system for a hanger.

If necessary, the feet may have side lugs to receive the ends of struts.

A first sleeve 150 is threaded onto the vertical upright 120 and stopped on the latter by means of a pin 151. As is more particularly visible in Figure 7, the sleeve 150 has a groove 152. This sleeve 150 defines with the amount 120 an annular space 153 open upward able to accommodate two cylindrical legs 154a, 154b, each belonging to a beam 155a, 155b which forms a spacer between two consecutive posts. The beam is for example of I-section solid core or tubular, whose wings are horizontal and whose longitudinal ends are equipped with gutters or vertical cradles 156a, 156b which rest against a post 120 by matching its curvature. The aforesaid legs are the extensions, beyond the wings of I, these cradles.

A second sleeve 160 is then threaded on the upright 120. It is in all respects identical to the sleeve 150; he simply returned from it. It thus has a groove 162, defines a space 163 which accommodates curvilinear tabs 164a and 164b which are further extensions of the cradles 156a and 156b. A pin 161 secures the whole on the amount 120.

This arrangement makes it possible to obtain angles A, between two successive beams, so that the elementary structure of the framework can be standardized in size regardless of the peripheral dimension of the framework.

Each groove 152, 162 receives the eye of the end of two slings 164. In a variant not shown adapted to small shelters for example, a only sleeves 150, 160 are equipped with these slings. These slings connect two masts 101a separated by a mast 101b. To the right of the mast 101b they avoid, they are kept apart by a spacer 165. Figure 8 illustrates a possible embodiment of this plug integral with or in one piece with the sleeve 150, 160 corresponding, in fork shape or clevis, for housing between a winch arm 166 or a return pulley if necessary. This spacer allows to eliminate interference between slings and masts they avoid, which can occur when the angle A is close to 180 °. The slings can be of adjustable length so as to adjust the geometry of the frame. They play the role of tie rods and in an alternative embodiment that allows it (angle A relatively closed), they can be replaced by eyebars, also adjustable in length by any suitable device. The set of beams 156 and slings or tie rods constitutes the belt of the indeformable frame which can absorb the centripetal forces generated by the tensions of the lines and the fabric.

For the stability of the peripheral framework, it is important that both the beams 155 and tie rods 164 converge towards the center of the uprights 120, as shown in FIG. 8.

The poles 101 can also be stabilized with each other by providing struts extending along the diagonal of the quadrilateral formed by two adjacent poles 101 and the beam 155 extending between said poles (the last side being constituted by a spinnaker pole). extending between these masts, and, failing that, by the ground itself).

Claims

A shelter comprising a support structure and a fabric (7) forming at least partial coverage of an area located inside the structure, characterized in that the support structure comprises a lateral framework (1) comprising a plurality vertical masts (la, Ib) and a horizontal belt (4) indeformable by which each mast is associated with each of its neighbors, to oppose the centripetal efforts to which is subject the frame (1) and a central means d hooking (6, 50) of the fabric held in height by wire radial lines derived from the frame, the web being radially held between said central means and the peripheral frame.

2. Shelter according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment means is located at the point of convergence of a set of radial ropes (5a, 5b) forming the above suspensions.

3. Shelter according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment means comprises a ring (50) connected to the lines (5a, 5b) aforesaid and having a plurality of means (51) for fixing the web (54) aforesaid which constitutes an annular cover.

4. Shelter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fabric (7) comprises inserted radial linear reinforcements (8) in number equal to that of the masts.

5. Shelter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the belt comprises a plurality of beams (155) extending between two adjacent poles (101) and tie rods (164) which extend between two masts separated by at least another mast.

6. Shelter according to claim 5, characterized in that the tie rods being formed by cables, the frame comprises in addition to the right of each post a spacer (165) of the cable (164).

7. Shelter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each line (5) is associated with each mast by an operating winch (25).

8. Shelter in which the fabric forms an annular cover according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the annular cover is troussable towards the peripheral framework and in that the fabric (54) is formed by a tube of circumference substantially equal to the length of the periphery of the area to be covered and of length equal to the width of an annular zone to be covered within the periphery, this fabric (54) being equipped on one (53 ) of its edges of a plurality of deployment ropes (52) in number equal to the number of the masts of the frame, the other edge (55) of the cloth (54) being fixed to the frame, each of the ropes (52) deployment of the fabric passing through a return member carried by the snap ring while several ropes (57) cooperate in folding the fabric, each of them having two strands (57a, 57b) one above and one below the canvas (54), with two ends one of which is attached to the peripheral framework and the other to a winch (58) of winding / unfolding of this framework, each line (57) of folding being guided to the edge of the fabric equipped with the rope (52) deployment in a body of its sliding on this edge of canvas.

9. Shelter according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the fabric is formed by the juxtaposition of a plurality of independent awnings, each of them being troussable towards the peripheral framework and being fixed by one of its edges to this framework while on its other edge, parallel to that fixed to the framework, it is equipped with a plurality of fold lines in number equal to the number of poles of the frame embraced by the above-mentioned fastening edge, each of the deployment lines of the awning passing through a return member carried by the snap ring while several ropes cooperate to fold the awning, each of them having two strands one above and one below the awning, with two ends, one of which is fixed to the peripheral framework and the other to a winding winding / unrestrained winding of this frame, each rope of folding being guided to the edge of the canopy equipped with the deployment line in an organ of its sliding on this edge.